Ain't No Other goes for repeat in Jess Jackson Owners' Handicap

SANTA ROSA, Calif. – The third time proved a charm for Ain’t No Other in the $50,000-added Jess Jackson Owners’ Handicap last year at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, where he finally made it to the winner’s circle after the five-furlong turf race.

It wasn’t that he’d done badly in his first two tries. In 2011, he was first under the wire but was disqualified to third behind Goggles McCoy and Starboardlights. In 2012, he finished a neck behind Shudacudawudya, with Starboardlights third. And in his third try last year, he defeated Starboardlights by a neck.

He’s definitely a horse for the course, but in Saturday’s edition of the race, he’ll be facing four other stakes winners and a runner with four straight victories.

Still, you have to like a runner who has been that good and that consistent at this distance and over this course.

Jess Jackson Handicap (Race 9)

Key contenders

Ain’t No Other (Last 3 Beyers: 77-81-82)

* Can’t overlook the defending champ, who has been first under the wire in two of the past three runnings and only missed by a neck the other time. He faded badly behind quick fractions at Pleasanton last time and also faded late to be fourth in the Albany at this distance over the Golden Gate turf course.

* Listed at 103 pounds, as owners can name their own weight, and has the lightest jockey on the grounds, so weight could be a factor, with a 10-pound difference or more.

Marino’s Wild Cat (Last 3 Beyers: 93-88-89)

* He’s won three straight this year and four straight overall after missing all of 2013.

* He’s making his stakes debut and his turf debut. Sire is good with first-timers on turf, and dam won on grass.

* He also is in light at 110 pounds.

* Rail draw means he’ll have to gun from the gate, but that’s his style anyway.

* Meeting the toughest field of his career.

Pure Tactics (Last 3 Beyers: 92-92-88)

* Sharp runner draws outside post and might need some luck with his off-the-pace style.

* Has won two straight – a stakes down the hill at Santa Anita and a sprint at this distance on the Del Mar turf. Has a solid work since the Del Mar win.

A Toast to You (Last 3 Beyers: 86-90-86)

* Turf specialist is a capable sprinter and has won going down the tricky hillside turf course at Santa Anita, where he defeated Ain’t No Other last year.

* He was claimed from a win at Santa Anita for $50,000 two back and got caught late, settling for third in the Albany at Golden Gate behind Moonshine Bay.

Gallant Son (Last 3 Beyers: 87-101-94)

* Multiple stakes winner has won sprinting and has a Grade 3 victory in a turf stakes.

* He’s game, honest, and making his first start since Dec. 28. Seems a tough spot for a comeback.

Moonshine Bay (Last 3 Beyers: 87-88-84)

* Having a good year and won the Albany at five furlongs on the Golden Gate turf two back for his first win on grass.

* Hasn’t flashed quite as much early speed of late, but he should be nicely positioned.

* Ran third in this race last year.